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Afro-Gastro festival launched in Accra
The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has officially launched the Afro-Gastro festival programme, a celebration of African and diaspora culinary heritage at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra.
The festival, happening in October, aims to unite culinary experts, artists, researchers, and diaspora communities through food exhibitions, performances, and workshops.
Ms Gomashie described the festival as a journey to honour shared culinary heritage, calling on all stakeholders to unite in celebrating Africa’s story through food.
She highlighted how food serves as a bridge connecting Africans and the diaspora, noting that dishes like Waakye, Jollof, Callaloo, and Moi Moi carry stories of migration, resilience, and cultural identity.
“The October festival will build on the foundation laid at the launch, with plans to involve embassies, cultural institutions, and the public,” she said.
She thanked the organising committee, partners, and media for their support, emphasising that the event belongs to Ghanaians and Africans worldwide.
The Afro-Gastro Festival, which forms part of the Black Star Experience, is envisioned as a “gathering where every heritage is honoured and every story is shared through food.”
By Spectator reporter
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has held its Fourth Quarter Ministerial Advisory Board Meeting to review progress, discuss key policy matters, and strengthen collaboration towards achieving its strategic goals.
The meeting brought together members of the Advisory Board, which was set up under Section 39 of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (PNDCL 327), and the Civil Service (Ministerial Advisory Board) Regulations, 2010 (L.I. 1961).
The Board serves as a platform for continuous engagement between the Ministry and its stakeholders.
Its role is to advise the sector Minister on policy planning and implementation, while ensuring that programmes on gender, social protection, and child welfare align with national priorities and government development goals.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, commended the Board for its consistent support and technical guidance in advancing the Ministry’s mandate.
She noted that the Ministry’s work in promoting gender equality, protecting the vulnerable, and ensuring the welfare of children and families depends on strong policies and effective partnerships.
Dr. Lartey stressed that the Advisory Board plays an important role in helping the Ministry deliver its mission in a sustainable and impactful way.
A major highlight of the meeting was a presentation on the Ministry’s achievements so far this year, followed by discussions on future policy direction and strategic focus areas.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has been unanimously elected as the Chairperson of the Africa Geopolitical Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
The election took place on October 19, 2025, during the ongoing 151st IPU Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. His victory places Ghana at the center of continental and global parliamentary diplomacy.
With this new role, Speaker Bagbin will coordinate and harmonize Africa’s collective positions on major IPU decisions and policies.
He will also serve as the continent’s chief representative on key issues such as governance, peace, security, and sustainable development.
Speaker Bagbin currently serves as the President of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (COSPAL) and is the immediate past Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) International.
In his remarks after the election, he thanked African delegations for their confidence and unity, particularly commending Nigeria for seconding his nomination and Senegal for withdrawing its candidate in the spirit of cooperation.
He pledged to strengthen collaboration among African parliaments and promote transparency, democratic governance, and sustainable development through stronger legislative institutions.
He succeeds Ms. Angela Thokozile Didiza, Speaker of South Africa’s National Assembly, who served with distinction.
The Africa Geopolitical Group, formed in the early 1950s, serves as a continental branch of the IPU, ensuring fair representation of African countries in the Union’s committees and decision-making bodies.
It also coordinates Africa’s common positions on major parliamentary issues discussed at IPU assemblies.
By: Jacob Aggrey
